the conflict, and the suspense became painful indeed.

Then amid the rattle of musketry sounded the whoops of the Iroquois. The
battle was on. Fighting began about four o'clock in the afternoon.
Colonel Zebulon Butler ordered his men to fire, and at each
discharge to advance a step. The fire was regular and steady, and
the Americans continued to gain ground, having the advantage where
it was open. Despite the exertions of the invaders, their line
gave way, and but for the help of the Indians they would have been
routed.

The flanking party of red men kept up a galling fire on the right,
and the patriots dropped fast. The Indians on the Tory left were
divided into six bands who kept up a continuous yelling which did
much to inspirit each other, while the deadly aim told sadly upon
the Americans.

The most powerful body of Indians was in a swamp on the left of the
patriots, and by and by they outflanked them. The Americans tried
to manoeuvre so as to face the new danger, but some of them mistook
the order for one to retreat. Everything was thrown into confusion.

Colonel Zebulon Butler, seeing how things were going, galloped up
and down between the opposing lines, calling out--"Don't leave
me, my children. Stand by me and the victory is ours!"

But it was too late. The patriots could not be rallied. They were
far outnumbered, and once thrown into a panic, with the captain of
every company slain, the day was lost.